Few questions about IB recruiting in London (Experienced hire working in M&A in EU)

Hi,

1. So i've heard that, at least in US, analysts are hired straight after undergrad, if you couldn't make it as an undergrad you need to get some industry exp. and/or MBA/ Master's and then apply as an associate, is the same true for UK? Do shops in UK hire experienced candidates as analysts, do you need MBA/ Masters to get associate position?

2. If I am currently based in another country in EU with a smaller market, would my M&A experience still look relevant to recruiters, and hiring managers in London?

3. I currently hold a finance degree from non-target UK uni., if I wanted to get Masters's from uni in the Netherlands, Denmark or Sweden would it be valued in UK market, or LSE, LBS, Oxbridge are only schools that matter in IB recruiting?

4. Finally, since I am not based in UK atm opportunities to network are a bit limited, cold messaging people in the industry/ recruiters is prob not a good idea, right?

Thanks!